Carlo Colaiacovo knows he will be in a fight to crack the Maple Leafs blue line when training camp opens Sept. 14.

But for now, Colaiacovo, who has not played in a game since January because he has been recovering from a concussion, simply is concentrating on getting into shape.

"I'm extra-motivated this summer because I really miss the game and being a part of things on the ice," Colaiacovo said. "It's nice to be around the guys every day (at workouts). Right now my focus is on getting my health back to where it needs to be."

Colaiacovo has no lingering effects from the concussion, suffered in Ottawa against the Senators.

Colaiacovo joined the throngs in Little Italy on Sunday after Italy beat France in the World Cup final.

"From the beginning I never thought it was going to happen," Colaiacovo said.

"I was really happy this weekend to be Italian. I think the greatest thing about it for me was watching my dad celebrate."

Phil-ling out

The Leafs have hope for prospect Phil Oreskovic, picked 82nd overall in 2005. The Brampton Battalion defenceman is not a fast skater but learned to adjust last season with the crackdown on obstruction.

"I think I have come a long way in my body positioning and using my mind more," Oreskovic said after an on-ice workout at the Leafs prospects camp at Lakeshore Lions Arena yesterday.

"You don't have a choice now with the new rules."

Lightning take Richardson

Defenceman Luke Richardson, who finished last season with the Leafs, signed a $500,000, one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning.